Mexico dominated Japan in the men’s soccer bronze-medal game on Friday night, ending the host nation’s hope of a first Olympic medal in 53 years with a 3-1 win at Saitama Stadium.
Three days after both teams played 120 minutes in their respective semifinal losses, Japan languished against a sharper Mexico side, giving up its opening goal from the penalty spot and two more from set plays before Kaoru Mitoma’s consolation strike late in the match.
"We played to win a medal, and I’m sorry we couldn’t get a result for the fans who have been supporting us,” Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu said.